2 Corinthians 9:10-12
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
Paul is saying here that our giving produces thanksgiving to God.
Matthew Henry’s commentary says “We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession (of faith in Jesus), and to the praise and glory of God.”
Our thoughtful, willing, and cheerful giving pleases God. Not only that, but it glorifies God. How does it do that? If people are thanking God for something, then they are clearly attributing that something to God, so the invisible God is made visible, i.e. He is glorified.
Offertory Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Your abundant blessings. We recognize that You are the one who provides us with everything, from the seed of life to the bread for our sustenance. We praise You for enriching us in every way, so that we might be generous in every way. As we give, we ask that You would multiply our gifts and increase the harvest of righteousness in our lives. May our generosity lead to thanksgiving and glory to You, and may Your kingdom be built through our service. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Monday, July 14, 2025
God Is Our Security - Proverbs 29:25
2 Corinthians 9:10-12
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
Paul is saying here that our giving produces thanksgiving to God.
Matthew Henry’s commentary says “We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession (of faith in Jesus), and to the praise and glory of God.”
Our thoughtful, willing, and cheerful giving pleases God. Not only that, but it glorifies God. How does it do that? If people are thanking God for something, then they are clearly attributing that something to God, so the invisible God is made visible, i.e. He is glorified.
Offertory Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Your abundant blessings. We recognize that You are the one who provides us with everything, from the seed of life to the bread for our sustenance. We praise You for enriching us in every way, so that we might be generous in every way. As we give, we ask that You would multiply our gifts and increase the harvest of righteousness in our lives. May our generosity lead to thanksgiving and glory to You, and may Your kingdom be built through our service. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
Paul is saying here that our giving produces thanksgiving to God.
Matthew Henry’s commentary says “We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession (of faith in Jesus), and to the praise and glory of God.”
Our thoughtful, willing, and cheerful giving pleases God. Not only that, but it glorifies God. How does it do that? If people are thanking God for something, then they are clearly attributing that something to God, so the invisible God is made visible, i.e. He is glorified.
Offertory Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Your abundant blessings. We recognize that You are the one who provides us with everything, from the seed of life to the bread for our sustenance. We praise You for enriching us in every way, so that we might be generous in every way. As we give, we ask that You would multiply our gifts and increase the harvest of righteousness in our lives. May our generosity lead to thanksgiving and glory to You, and may Your kingdom be built through our service. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Don't Grow Weary in Your Service - Galatians 10:9
Galatians 10:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Here Paul is encouraging believers to persevere, reassuring them that at some point, they will get to see some results.
In the section before this verse, we should look at what he is talking about. He starts with restoring trespassers to fellowship in a spirit of gentleness. The word for gentle used here is the same as the one in the beatitudes - blessed are the gentle - which we learned denotes someone using great power in a restrained way. We must take care not to be tempted ourselves.
We must bear one another’s burdens and not think we’re all that and a bag-a-chips when we do it, lest we deceive ourselves. Look at our own work, and no one else’s.
We’re told to support those who teach the Word, share all good things with them. So if you have a Big Mac, send half of it to our pastor.
We’re warned that God sees all, so don’t deceive yourself about what you’re doing. Sow according to the Spirit from which we’ll reap eternal life, not according to the flesh from which we’ll reap corruption.
Here’s where he tells us not to grow weary, and tells us to do good while we have the opportunity. Here I’m reminded of an episode from 30 years ago when I lived with my parents after living with my friends for a few years, where chop-bustin’ was frequent and had become an art form. I was shining my shoes in my room when my dad came by and said “I didn’t know you were polishing shoes!” My reply was “because then you would have thought I was going to do yours!” I thought I was funny, not really thinking that my dad was my father, not simply a roommate. I never got another opportunity to do good like that for him. I know that I am not condemned for this simple act, but 27 years after losing my dad, I still regret it. Take advantage of the opportunities when they appear. Those are often God’s invitations to join Him in His work.
I would encourage you to give to our church as God is leading you, because today is the only opportunity you have with your circumstances exactly like they are right now. Don’t miss the chance to do exactly what God is calling you to do. Today could be the day you step out in faith and have God reveal Himself to you in a new way.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would strengthen and encourage us all so we do not grow weary or discouraged. Remind us that You always provide us what we need to do Your will. Galatians 6:9 tells us that Your will is for us to do good, to serve you faithfully, and that You promise to bless us. We pray that we get to see the harvest of our reaping. We’d rather get to see it right away, but we trust You when You say we will get to see it, even if that isn’t until we are with You in Heaven. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Here Paul is encouraging believers to persevere, reassuring them that at some point, they will get to see some results.
In the section before this verse, we should look at what he is talking about. He starts with restoring trespassers to fellowship in a spirit of gentleness. The word for gentle used here is the same as the one in the beatitudes - blessed are the gentle - which we learned denotes someone using great power in a restrained way. We must take care not to be tempted ourselves.
We must bear one another’s burdens and not think we’re all that and a bag-a-chips when we do it, lest we deceive ourselves. Look at our own work, and no one else’s.
We’re told to support those who teach the Word, share all good things with them. So if you have a Big Mac, send half of it to our pastor.
We’re warned that God sees all, so don’t deceive yourself about what you’re doing. Sow according to the Spirit from which we’ll reap eternal life, not according to the flesh from which we’ll reap corruption.
Here’s where he tells us not to grow weary, and tells us to do good while we have the opportunity. Here I’m reminded of an episode from 30 years ago when I lived with my parents after living with my friends for a few years, where chop-bustin’ was frequent and had become an art form. I was shining my shoes in my room when my dad came by and said “I didn’t know you were polishing shoes!” My reply was “because then you would have thought I was going to do yours!” I thought I was funny, not really thinking that my dad was my father, not simply a roommate. I never got another opportunity to do good like that for him. I know that I am not condemned for this simple act, but 27 years after losing my dad, I still regret it. Take advantage of the opportunities when they appear. Those are often God’s invitations to join Him in His work.
I would encourage you to give to our church as God is leading you, because today is the only opportunity you have with your circumstances exactly like they are right now. Don’t miss the chance to do exactly what God is calling you to do. Today could be the day you step out in faith and have God reveal Himself to you in a new way.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would strengthen and encourage us all so we do not grow weary or discouraged. Remind us that You always provide us what we need to do Your will. Galatians 6:9 tells us that Your will is for us to do good, to serve you faithfully, and that You promise to bless us. We pray that we get to see the harvest of our reaping. We’d rather get to see it right away, but we trust You when You say we will get to see it, even if that isn’t until we are with You in Heaven. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Christians Must Differentiate Themselves - 1 Peter 4:10
1 Peter 4:10
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
In this section, Peter is telling Christians to differentiate themselves from non-Christians, by comparing how they lived before being saved to how the church is to live now. In this verse, he emphasizes that all we have is a gift from God and that we are to be good stewards of it. One commentary explained that God wants to bestow things upon others and wants to use us as instruments in doing so. Some of what He provides to us He intends for us to use to serve others, and that includes supporting our church.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the unique gifts you have given each of us. Help us to recognize and understand these gifts, and give us the courage and wisdom to use them in service to others, and the discernment to know Your will, so that your grace may be evident in our lives and that you may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Amen.
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
In this section, Peter is telling Christians to differentiate themselves from non-Christians, by comparing how they lived before being saved to how the church is to live now. In this verse, he emphasizes that all we have is a gift from God and that we are to be good stewards of it. One commentary explained that God wants to bestow things upon others and wants to use us as instruments in doing so. Some of what He provides to us He intends for us to use to serve others, and that includes supporting our church.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the unique gifts you have given each of us. Help us to recognize and understand these gifts, and give us the courage and wisdom to use them in service to others, and the discernment to know Your will, so that your grace may be evident in our lives and that you may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Amen.
God Is the Source of Everything - Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18
Deuteronomy 8:11, 17-18
11 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God… 17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth…
Here the Lord is reminding us to remember that He is the source of everything. Don’t forget Him, lest we become proud and think we are the source of our own wealth. He gives us the power to make wealth.
Let’s remember this Easter that God paid the huge price of His Own Son so that we can be in fellowship with Him. We did nothing to deserve that. We must simply believe Him and receive the gift. And through that and His resurrection which we celebrate today, we receive eternal life! How can we withhold what He intends for us to use to support our church?
Offering Prayer
Lord, thank You for the abundance You have blessed each of us with and our ability to use it to support this church. In it, we can see we are precious to You, the Creator of everything, while at the same time, recognizing that it’s You and not ourselves that has given us the ability to earn our living. With this offering, we recognize our dependence upon You for everything, and celebrate our ability to support this church in which we rejoice in the resurection of our Savior and Lord. We pray this in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen.
11 Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God… 17 Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth…
Here the Lord is reminding us to remember that He is the source of everything. Don’t forget Him, lest we become proud and think we are the source of our own wealth. He gives us the power to make wealth.
Let’s remember this Easter that God paid the huge price of His Own Son so that we can be in fellowship with Him. We did nothing to deserve that. We must simply believe Him and receive the gift. And through that and His resurrection which we celebrate today, we receive eternal life! How can we withhold what He intends for us to use to support our church?
Offering Prayer
Lord, thank You for the abundance You have blessed each of us with and our ability to use it to support this church. In it, we can see we are precious to You, the Creator of everything, while at the same time, recognizing that it’s You and not ourselves that has given us the ability to earn our living. With this offering, we recognize our dependence upon You for everything, and celebrate our ability to support this church in which we rejoice in the resurection of our Savior and Lord. We pray this in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Cheerful Giving Revisited - 2 Corinthians 9:7
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
A cheerful giver gives with joy and gratitude, recognizing the privilege of contributing to something bigger than themselves. Giving should come from a genuine desire to support the church and its mission, not out of guilt or social pressure.
How to cultivate an attitude of cheerful giving:
Reflect on God's blessings, by reminding yourself of the good things God has provided in your life, which can inspire generosity.
Pray about your giving to seek guidance from God about how much to give and how to give with a joyful heart.
Be intentional about giving by deciding how much you can comfortably give and commit to it regularly.
Focus on the impact by considering how your giving can positively affect others and the church community.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather our tithes and offerings, we want to focus on giving cheerfully, as Your Word says that You love a cheerful giver. We acknowledge that all things belong to you. Everything we have comes from Your hand, and we are merely stewards of Your blessings. Help us to recognize Your leadership over all aspects of our lives.
May these gifts be used to further Your kingdom, as a testament to our gratitude and trust in You. Guide us to be faithful stewards, using all that You have given us for Your glory. We pray these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Start by looking at the bulletin, we see a couple of instances of “Worship”.
Worship Through Music
Worship Through Giving
Definition of worship - Show reverence and adoration for God
Respectful devotion, loving, honoring, obeying someone who deserves our highest regard
CS Lewis Institute - Worshiping God means acknowledging His power and perfection in gratitude. Includes understanding and awe of God’s Holiness. We remember how great He is and behave reverently in His Presence.
We are going to learn how our giving is loving, honoring, and obeying God, as we acknowledge His power and perfection in gratitude - therefore how giving is worship.
A cheerful giver gives with joy and gratitude, recognizing the privilege of contributing to something bigger than themselves. Giving should come from a genuine desire to support the church and its mission, not out of guilt or social pressure.
How to cultivate an attitude of cheerful giving:
Reflect on God's blessings, by reminding yourself of the good things God has provided in your life, which can inspire generosity.
Pray about your giving to seek guidance from God about how much to give and how to give with a joyful heart.
Be intentional about giving by deciding how much you can comfortably give and commit to it regularly.
Focus on the impact by considering how your giving can positively affect others and the church community.
Offering Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather our tithes and offerings, we want to focus on giving cheerfully, as Your Word says that You love a cheerful giver. We acknowledge that all things belong to you. Everything we have comes from Your hand, and we are merely stewards of Your blessings. Help us to recognize Your leadership over all aspects of our lives.
May these gifts be used to further Your kingdom, as a testament to our gratitude and trust in You. Guide us to be faithful stewards, using all that You have given us for Your glory. We pray these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Start by looking at the bulletin, we see a couple of instances of “Worship”.
Worship Through Music
Worship Through Giving
Definition of worship - Show reverence and adoration for God
Respectful devotion, loving, honoring, obeying someone who deserves our highest regard
CS Lewis Institute - Worshiping God means acknowledging His power and perfection in gratitude. Includes understanding and awe of God’s Holiness. We remember how great He is and behave reverently in His Presence.
We are going to learn how our giving is loving, honoring, and obeying God, as we acknowledge His power and perfection in gratitude - therefore how giving is worship.
He Who Is Generous Will Be Blessed Pt 2 - Proverbs 22:9
Proverbs 22:9
He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.
I thought I’d talk about some of the blessings that I know about due to our generosity to our church.
Yesterday - 17 women gathered for fellowship. From what I heard, it was a blast. I was told that it was loud and there was much laughter. There were stories shared between mothers and daughters. It sounded like there was a lot of love on display.
Last week, Tracy and I resumed a study of Lifetime Guarantee. It was a great time of study, learning, sharing, and fellowship.
We have our weekly study in John on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We had great fellowship, again there was laughter and love. And wonderfully deep study into God’s Word that Barry researches and prepares each week. Without our support of the church, we couldn’t have a full-time pastor who has time to do this during the week.
These are just a few of the things I know about. I’m sure there are many more.
Offering prayer
Gracious God, your word reminds us that generosity is a path to blessing, and that those who share with the needy will themselves be blessed. As we offer these gifts, we recognize that our blessings come from your hand, and we are called to share them with those in need. We pray that our offerings may bring hope and abundance to those who have little, and that we may be richly blessed in our giving. We ask that your work may be furthered through these offerings, and that we may continue to be generous and faithful in our giving. In Jesus' name, We pray in Jesus’s Name, Amen.
He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.
I thought I’d talk about some of the blessings that I know about due to our generosity to our church.
Yesterday - 17 women gathered for fellowship. From what I heard, it was a blast. I was told that it was loud and there was much laughter. There were stories shared between mothers and daughters. It sounded like there was a lot of love on display.
Last week, Tracy and I resumed a study of Lifetime Guarantee. It was a great time of study, learning, sharing, and fellowship.
We have our weekly study in John on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We had great fellowship, again there was laughter and love. And wonderfully deep study into God’s Word that Barry researches and prepares each week. Without our support of the church, we couldn’t have a full-time pastor who has time to do this during the week.
These are just a few of the things I know about. I’m sure there are many more.
Offering prayer
Gracious God, your word reminds us that generosity is a path to blessing, and that those who share with the needy will themselves be blessed. As we offer these gifts, we recognize that our blessings come from your hand, and we are called to share them with those in need. We pray that our offerings may bring hope and abundance to those who have little, and that we may be richly blessed in our giving. We ask that your work may be furthered through these offerings, and that we may continue to be generous and faithful in our giving. In Jesus' name, We pray in Jesus’s Name, Amen.
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